Pages - UPDATE ON CONSULTATIVE MEETING WITH MINISTRY OF TOURISM

 REF:        KATO/CIRCULAR/ NOV-21/6

 DATE:   22^nd November 2021

 TO:         All KATO Members

Dear Member,

UPDATE ON CONSULTATIVE MEETING WITH MINISTRY OF TOURISM

The Ministry of Health yesterday issued the attached set of new conditions that are proposed to come into effect from 21^st December 2021.

There was a Consultative meeting held this morning with the Ministry of Tourism to discuss the proposal and identify implementation challenges.

The following key concerns were raised by Industry members present:

1. December is the peak booking season for tourism and the last season (Easter) was cut short by lockdowns.
2. There is no mention of how children are to be addressed in the proposal.
3. Several bookings have already been received and some from persons who cannot possibly get fully vaccinated by 21^st
4. The industry does not have the capacity to verify the genuineness of the certificates presented.
5. The capacity limitations are only being imposed on the hospitality sector which has the highest investment in health protocols–nothing for matatus, trains, and aeroplanes which are all operating at full capacity in less secure environments.
6. Most staff in hospitality are fully vaccinated hence presenting a secure environment–The government to present solutions for staff who refuse to be vaccinated.

In summary, 21^st December 2021 was noted not to be a practical date to commence implementation of these changes and further consultations are needed.

Kind regards,

Fred Kaigua, ACIArb, CPM

CHIEF EXECUTIVE